Is it time to change my breast implants?

When to change your breast implants is a common question received by plastic surgeons.  Although breast implants aren’t made to last a lifetime, in some cases they may. 

If you’re still happy with the way your implants look and are experiencing no adverse symptoms, then typically your surgeon will recommend you leave them alone.  For other patients, issues may develop over time and your surgeon will consult, examine and review options with you.

Here are some reasons you may need to consider further breast surgery:

I think my implant is deflated.

If you have saline-filled implants, you will know almost immediately if your implant has ruptured.  Saline leaks from the implant, causing it to deflate.  When this call comes to our office, most patients ask to be seen as soon as possible.  Not because there’s any imminent danger from the deflated implant, but because it’s hard to dress with two very different breast sizes.

Upgrading to newer, cohesive gel (Gummy Bear) implants is usually the preferred option. Sometimes the patient may choose to have her implants taken out and a breast lift to remove any droop, restoring them to a smaller appearance.

My breast implants feel hard.

When an implant is placed, your body responds by creating a capsule around it.  Sometimes these capsules can harden and distort the shape of the breast.  It can even become painful. Surgery can remove and replace the implants and capsule. However, the entire capsule may not be able to be removed, depending on where it’s located and the risks of doing so.

I have gained/loss weight and my implants aren't where they started.

Most of us have fluctuations in weight over the years.  This can lead to a deterioration in skin elasticity and breast droop.  Implants once sitting at the breast fold can “descend” with breast tissue when you lose weight, causing sag or droop.  Pregnancy and breastfeeding can have a significant impact on breast appearance.  While breast implants don’t usually interfere with the ability to breastfeed, the deflation experienced after breastfeeding can result in a changed appearance.  A breast lift (mastopexy) would correct this.

To learn more, request a consultation and visit with our specialists.

This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne plastic surgery provider.